‘Chess is often referred to as sport for the brain as it exercises both sides of the brain, stimulates creativity and improves problem-solving skills. The City is excited about the game expanding in our libraries,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

Several of the City’s libraries have established chess clubs. Some meet on an ad hoc basis, while other libraries hope enough interest and donations of chess sets will help to get clubs going.

‘Chess is not always seen as a game for everyone, but it benefits all who play and anyone can learn. Playing chess is a fun way of learning how to follow the rules and it can help to build self-confidence,' said Councillor Badroodien.

The City's tournament called Chess@Libraries 2019 has already started with 160 regular players and upcoming tournaments include:

Browns Farm Library: 18 April
Goodwood Library: 18 June
Athlone Library: 17 June

A number of libraries have to still confirm the dates for their events, while several are likely to take place during the winter school holiday.

The tournaments which are held at the libraries will qualify players to move on to the second round where they will compete to make it to the final round at the end of the year. This is when the top participants will play against one another for medals, certificates and a trophy which will be kept at the library that the winner represents.

'The Chess@Libraries initiative has not only created an interest in the game, but several players have gone on to earn their provincial colours. They include Farouk Temoore who is currently captain of the Heideveld Library team and is studying engineering and Keenan van der Merwe who is also part of the Heideveld Library team and is currently studying law. The City is also proud that the initiative is pioneered and spearheaded by one of our own librarians,' said Councillor Badroodien.

Daniel Arendse was recently appointed as Leonsdale Library’s Senior Librarian and has been involved in chess since 1995 when he started playing while still at primary school.

Daniel was hooked from the first move and played for the University of the Western Cape, which earned him a sports bursary.

He started chess clubs at several libraries and in 2017 initiated Chess@Libraries as he believes chess is beneficial, regardless of age.